Event
New World Symphony
Naples Philharmonic Masterworks
Naples Philharmonic
Alexander Shelley, artistic and music director
Karen Slack, soprano
Jennifer Higdon — blue cathedral
Jasmine Barnes, Damien Geter, Jessie Montgomery, Shawn Okpebholo, Dave Ragland, Carlos Simon and Joel Thompson — African Queens for Soprano and Orchestra
Dvořák — Symphony No. 9, “From the New World”
Internationally acclaimed soprano Karen Slack joins the orchestra under the baton of Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley for the world premiere of African Queens for Soprano and Orchestra by seven American composers. With her powerful voice and commanding stage presence, Slack brings to life the stories of seven historic African queens. This poignant and rhythmically charged work celebrates their beauty, strength, humility and passion through a vivid blend of melody and orchestral color. The program opens with Jennifer Higdon’s blue cathedral, a moving tribute to her late brother that evolves from quiet introspection to luminous hope. The evening concludes with Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World” — a beloved masterwork infused with melodic richness, emotional depth and themes inspired by the American experience.
Prelude at 6:30pm
Join the conductor before the performance for an insightful 30-minute prelude discussion about the program.
Music and Museum
All Masterworks tickets include same-day admission to The Baker Museum. Museum hours on day of performance: 10am-7:30pm. In addition, the doors to Hayes Hall will open 90 minutes prior to this performance. Arrive early to enjoy the exhibitions and light fare available at Heidi's Place.
The Artistic and Music Director position is generously endowed by Sharon and Timothy Ubben.
Tickets start at $29.
Naples Philharmonic
Naples Philharmonic
Founded in 1982, the Naples Philharmonic normally performs over 140 orchestral and chamber concerts, as well as opera and ballet, education, community and special event concerts from September through June each year.
Meet the Musicians
Alexander Shelley
Artistic and Music Director Meet Alexander
Jack Everly
Principal Pops Conductor Meet Jack
James Ehnes
Artistic Partner Meet James
Manuel López-Gómez
Associate Conductor Meet Manuel
Alexander Shelley
Alexander Shelley
Sharon and Timothy Ubben Artistic and Music Director
Alexander Shelley was named Sharon and Timothy Ubben artistic and music director in April 2023. Alexander begins his tenure in this role in the 2024-25 season following a successful designate year through the 2023-24 season. As artistic and music director of Artis—Naples, Alexander provides artistic leadership for the entire multidisciplinary organization, including The Baker Museum and the Naples Philharmonic.
This appointment marks Alexander’s first titled position in the U.S. In addition to his role with Artis—Naples, Alexander remains music director of Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra and principal associate conductor of London’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra — positions he has held since 2015.
Meet Alexander
Program Book
Program Book
View this month's program book to get general information about Artis—Naples and to read articles about this month’s activities. View the program insert* for specific information about this event.
Program Book
Program Insert
* Program inserts will be available online approximately ten days prior to the event.
